Membership
Can individuals join the Gateway Center for Giving (GCG)?
GCG is a membership organization for grantmaking organizations and does not offer memberships to individuals.
Must a person be a part of a foundation board or staff to join?
Although membership is organizational, member organizations may sponsor an individual's attendance at GCG programs and meetings.
What is the average size of a GCG member foundation?
GCG member organizations run the gamut from the very smallest of foundations with little or no staff, to the very largest, professionally staffed foundation, offering a good mix of size and organization type (click here to view a listing of members).
Membership benefits
How does GCG membership benefit new staff or trustees from foundations?
GCG membership offers foundation staff and trustees the opportunity to get to know a wide circle of people from the world of philanthropy. Professional connections and personal friendships are formed that last a lifetime. Additionally, GCG conducts research and provides programs for its members to help inform them about the needs of the St. Louis region and the latest trends in the field of philanthropy. This is a benefit to new staff and existing staff!
With so many different sizes and structures of charitable foundations and/or giving programs (e.g., small foundations with little or no staff, large foundations with a professional staff, corporate giving programs), can GCG offer benefits to all?
GCG understands that each of our members in unique and tries to ensure that each of our members is gaining value from their GCG membership. GCG hosts a variety of programs to meet the needs of grantmakings of all sizes and interests and for members who want more specialized information the Center offers member requested research and one-on-one consulting from the Center President.
Program attendance
Can grant-seeking nonprofit organization board members or staff attend GCG programs?
Generally, GCG meetings are reserved for grantmakers only. GCG does host two programs for nonprofits- Meet the Donor and Will to Give. Additionally, nonprofits are invited to attend our Annual Meeting.
Involvement
How can our foundation's success stories be shared with other GCG members?
Share your success stories with other GCG members by emailing the information to GCG for inclusion in What Gives?, our blog, and our members in the news page.
Who should attend GCG’s Annual Meeting?
Trustees and professional staff from both member and non-member organizations are encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting. Nonprofits are also invited to attend the meeting.
How can great topics be suggested for a GCG program?
GCG staff is always on the lookout for topics of interest to incorporate into its programming. Whenever you have ideas, please contact the GCG office via phone or e-mail.
How can persons associated with GCG member foundations become involved in GCG committees?
Contact us via e-mail or phone to express your interests.
Miscellaneous
What resources does GCG offer for a person new to philanthropy who is interested in starting a foundation?
Our Center President Mary McMurtrey would be happy to advise persons interested in starting a foundation. GCG provides access to experienced philanthropists, both foundation board and staff members, for customized consultation with those interested in formalizing their giving through the establishment of a foundation. In addition, GCG can provide streamlined access to an abundance of high-quality resources, including books, websites, educational programs and more.
Does GCG make grants?
GCG does not make grants; it serves as a resource and network for grantmakers.
Does GCG influence or manage its members' grantmaking?
GCG helps its members learn more about the how-to's, areas of grantmaking interest, and issues facing grantmakers, but it does not influence or manage their grantmaking decisions.
What is a Regional Association of Grantmakers?
Regional Associations of Grantmakers are designed to enhance, expand and explain philanthropy in their areas. The Gateway Center for Giving is one of 34 Regional Associations of Grantmakers. Like similar organizations, it is a geographically focused association of grantmakers that supports the work of foundations in its region. Detailed information regarding other regional associations can be found at the website of The Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers.